Dated: August 30, 2019
In a world where everything is almost instant, society always manages to find ways of waiting.
Waiting for the laundry to finish;
Waiting to see the doctor;
Waiting at the cashier to check out; and
Waiting in lineups for grand opening specials.
If not already evident, delays aren't my thing, which is precisely why a readily available set of tools to pass time effectively is always on hand.
Waiting for the laundry to finish;
Waiting to see the doctor;
Waiting at the cashier to check out; and
Waiting in lineups for grand opening specials.
If not already evident, delays aren't my thing, which is precisely why a readily available set of tools to pass time effectively is always on hand.
In preparation for The Great Wait that was the arrival of K-beauty giant, innisfree, at Toronto's luxury shopping centre, several offline sequences were loaded onto my mobile device for viewing.
The next morning denoted an early morning trip via the GO Bus. While I had my qualms about the notorious 401 volumes, my arrival at Yorkdale was smooth and uneventful - in the best way possible. I joined the lineup around 8:10 AM, at which point I had already found myself in 17th place.
My position in line subsequently dropped as people slowly started re-joining the lineup after having their spots held by a single member of the party. I took to my slightly soggy steamed sponge cake while others munched away at lattes and breakfast sandwiches - a luxury I did not have as a unaccompanied voyager.
The next morning denoted an early morning trip via the GO Bus. While I had my qualms about the notorious 401 volumes, my arrival at Yorkdale was smooth and uneventful - in the best way possible. I joined the lineup around 8:10 AM, at which point I had already found myself in 17th place.
My position in line subsequently dropped as people slowly started re-joining the lineup after having their spots held by a single member of the party. I took to my slightly soggy steamed sponge cake while others munched away at lattes and breakfast sandwiches - a luxury I did not have as a unaccompanied voyager.
I concluded an episode of Moment of Eighteen as members of the media team instructed us to rise; around 9:30 AM, preparations commenced for the ribbon-cutting ceremony. At exactly 10 AM, the first group of customers were allowed within the store, and I, having been pushed back due to spot-holders, was none too thrilled about being coerced into the second group. Being 21st in line, the permissible allotment was cut directly before me. (Grrrr).
On the bright side, the store was well-staffed, making the entire endeavour more organized than I expected. There were plenty of opening promotions as well: each member making the first 200 count would automatically receive a Hydration Trail Kit, while additional gifts would be bestowed upon those making purchases of $50 (tier 1) or $80( tier 2).
On the bright side, the store was well-staffed, making the entire endeavour more organized than I expected. There were plenty of opening promotions as well: each member making the first 200 count would automatically receive a Hydration Trail Kit, while additional gifts would be bestowed upon those making purchases of $50 (tier 1) or $80( tier 2).
Distinctly larger than the Union Square store, the Canadian flagship carried a greater number of individual product lines as well as a dedicated section for sheet masks. The interior of the store emitted a similar aura to that of its Asia locations, making use of the high ceiling for artificial shrubbery and blank walls for projector-originating promotional videos.
The store did not carry cushion compacts nor sunscreen - it apparently hadn't passed the quality check in time for Grand Opening, though a staff member noted that they would have it eventually. The Skinny Brow Pencil was not in stock either.
Purchased instead were (multiple bottles of) makeup remover, toner, the ever-popular Jeju orchid eye cream (a winter staple), and the fermented green tea mask that I loved so dearly from my New York haul.
The store did not carry cushion compacts nor sunscreen - it apparently hadn't passed the quality check in time for Grand Opening, though a staff member noted that they would have it eventually. The Skinny Brow Pencil was not in stock either.
Purchased instead were (multiple bottles of) makeup remover, toner, the ever-popular Jeju orchid eye cream (a winter staple), and the fermented green tea mask that I loved so dearly from my New York haul.
The mobile app was an entry pass to a free Welcome Kit on Grand Opening Day; it also enabled customers to log receipt codes to automatically add points should in-store system be laggy or down altogether. The cashier was swift and extremely kind, tending to my various hurried requests.
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To be completely honest, my recollection of any other aspects are faint: with a pre-assembled list in hand, I simply missioned to tick off items of interest and speed back to make the next bus. I promptly rushed back after finishing the ordeal and swung by McDonalds for a 2 for $5 McMuffin deal.
Although intended for sharing, both were eventually consumed by yours truly (Oops).
Although intended for sharing, both were eventually consumed by yours truly (Oops).
Shortly after noon, we began our painstakingly long, long weekend road trip, with me gorging on The Night Baker cookies and Iced Coffee the entire way.
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Pit stops were made in Port Hope and Kingston. More Ice Coffee was secured in attempt to ward off drowsiness.
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Around 6:30 PM, we arrived in Ottawa.
Highway-traversing public transit vehicles had been nonexistent along the stretch, yet one of our first sights upon entering the city was the distinct presence of communal transportation. We witnessed well over twenty OC Transpo vehicles at the exit, then later passed the University of Ottawa, laying eyes on the new LRT station.
It was truly momentous, for it is always great to see transit in action!
It was truly momentous, for it is always great to see transit in action!
The next task of the day was checking into our chosen accomodations.
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Once settled, we began to roam the immediate area.
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Read Part 2 HERE !
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